Mr. A is a 68-year-old man who fell and sustained a compound fracture of his left leg. He has become very depressed over the past few weeks and refuses to get out of bed. He eats one meal a day of biscuits and grits and refuses any other food. He has recently noticed blisters and a foul odor from his leg.
What specific process will most likely occur with his muscle cells if he continues to remain in bed?
Discuss the pathophysiology associated with atrophy and identify potential causes.
What are some possible causes of atrophy in Mr. A?
What could be causing the blisters/blebs and mildly foul (and non-sulfuric) odor?
He finally agrees to go to the emergency department, and he is diagnosed with gangrene.
What type of gangrene does he most likely have based on his symptoms (from the question and answer for #4)?
Identify and describe the manifestations associated with the three types of gangrene.
